Lucia Gonzalez de Patiño passed away peacefully in Tucson, AZ in the very early morning hours of Sept. 23, 2024, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Her family was blessed to have had the opportunity to sit at her bedside earlier that evening.
Lucia was born Dec. 15, 1938, in Cajamarca, Colombia, South America. She was the second oldest of eight children. After completing high school, she started taking art classes at the Universidad del Tolima, S.A., until she met Guillermo and they made plans to marry and for her to move to the United States where he was completing his American hospital internship. Shortly after their marriage on July 20, 1963, she moved to Chicago, IL and began taking classes to learn English.
Lucia was a devoted wife and mother. In 1967 when her husband’s education required moving to Tucson, she did so along with a two-year-old daughter and infant son. In 1970, her husband’s career dictated another move, this time with three young children. They moved to Superior, AZ where they remained until 1981. While in Superior she had her fourth child. She was an active member of the St. Francis of Assisi Church, serving on various committees, assisting with the religious education programs, and was a member of the Charismatic Movement. She also enjoyed spending time with her many friends in the community, and for a short while even taught classes on cake decorating. From 1981 to 1997, Lucia lived with her family in Ajo, AZ. Again, she was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by serving on various committees, was responsible for the religious education programs, was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, took communion to the sick and homebound, and enjoyed hosting Bishop Moreno for dinner in her home during his occasional visits to Ajo. Lucia also found time to run the Lifeline Medical Supply office, and having her friends to visit. In 1997 when Guillermo retired, they moved to their final home in Tucson.
Lucia was preceded in death by her parents Pedro Nel and Bertha Gonzalez, and her brother Pedro Nel Gonzalez, and the love of her life Guillermo. She is survived by her siblings Nestor, Guillermo, Alvaro, Bertha, Norma, and Luis Carlos. Her children: daughter Olga and husband Manuel (Gilbert, AZ); son Carlos and wife Amy (Tucson, AZ); son Pedro and wife Marissa (Tucson, AZ); daughter Bertha (Tucson, AZ); past sons-in-law Paul Vasquez Jr. (Ajo, AZ) and Jaime Valenzuela (Tucson, AZ); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Amanda Vasquez and husband James and daughter Hailey (3); Officer Enrique Vasquez and wife Ariana and children Connor Cravey, Maddox Bonner, and Isabella (10); Michael Escarcega and wife Dennise and children Sofia (8), twins Alejandra and Victoria (3); Kelsey Berryman; Chris Berryman; Joshua Valenzuela; Zechariah Valenzuela and wife Kyleigh.
Services will be held in Tucson, AZ on Oct. 5, 2024, at St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, 1615 E. Second St., Tucson, with the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. followed by Disposition of Ashes at Holy Hope Cemetery (3535 N. Oracle Rd.). A Celebration of Life Luncheon Reception will follow the Disposition of Ashes (location TBD)
Lucia loved all colors and her family would like everyone to feel free to wear any color in remembrance of her. If anyone wishes to send flowers, please have them scheduled to be delivered to the church on Oct. 5 by 9:00 am.